Attractions

Experience a world of beautiful white sand, lush tropical vegetation, colorful marine life and vibrant culture on the picturesque island of St. Thomas. From sunbathing on the private beaches of the hotels near Magens Bay and golfing on the 18-hole championship course designed by George and Tom Fazio, to venturing out into the surrounding aquamarine waters to dive around the coral reefs, St. Thomas is filled with an array of exciting attractions.

From its hillside perch not far from Magens Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas surveys a glorious landscape of pristine beaches, beautiful hotels, clear blue waters, and the majestic green mountains of neighboring St. John. Here in this oasis of tranquility in the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas offers the ideal setting to discover all of the attractions, by land and by sea. Spend a day island hopping, shopping, or sampling regional cuisine at local restaurants. Visit an island festival, such as the annual Carnival held each April, or take in the Blue Marlin Tournament, an exciting angler competition that excites island-dwellers and travelers alike every June.

Here in St. Thomas, your options for pleasure and recreation are endless, destined to fulfill your every desire. Explore the multitude of exciting attractions in St. Thomas below.

Attractions

Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World is a five-acre marine park featuring activities and a three-story underwater observation tower located 100 feet off shore, which allows visitors to see a variety of marine life up-close in their natural state.

One of St. Thomas’s greatest attractions, Coral World has long been a favorite among visitors and residents. Park goers can swim with sea lions, Sea Trek along the ocean floor, encounter turtles, sharks and stingrays, feed the lorikeets, snuba and more. Other highlights include the Undersea Observatory Tower built 30 feet underwater and the Marine Gardens gallery of 21 aquariums.

Paradise Point - St. Thomas Skyride

The St. Thomas Skyride whisks visitors 700 feet above the town of Charlotte Amalie for some of the most dramatic views in the Caribbean.

Carrying 24 passengers every seven minutes along its 8-tower ascent of Flag Hill, St. Thomas Skyride whisks visitors up to 700 feet above the town of Charlotte Amalie for some of the most dramatic views in the Caribbean. Once at the pinnacle, guests can enjoy shopping and dining, watch a bird show, hike a nature trail or hop on the Sky Jump trampoline. Don’t forget to try the famous Baileys Bushwacker!

St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens

Explore a lavish eleven-acre tropical estate high atop the volcanic peaks of St. Thomas.

Nestled high in the volcanic peaks of St. Thomas, this site was originally part of the 150-acre Plantation St. Peter. Today, the Greathouse displays examples of West Indian architecture and furniture. The lush Botanical Gardens and nature trail feature streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds, more than 20 varieties of orchids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits.

Mountain Top

Breathe in the cool fresh mountain air and discover the island's favorite picture perfect photo opportunities.

For over sixty years Mountain Top has offered visitors a unique and breathtaking experience. Come and feel the thrill of climbing up over 1000 feet in an open air safari bus through a tropical forest to the highest point on St. Thomas.

St. John National Park

The Virgin Islands National Park on St. John encompasses miles of lush forest, historic plantation ruins, pristine beaches and underwater reefs. The ruins of Annaberg sugar plantation are part of the St. John National Park.

National Park trails weave through scenic lookout points, sugar plantation ruins, mysterious rock carvings (petroglyphs) and magnificent unspoiled forests. Many of the trails end at the shoreline of a fabulous beach. Sun seekers will be delighted by the beaches on St. John, which are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.

Annaberg was once one of the larger sugar plantations on St. John. The remains of the windmill and horsemill, used to crush the sugar cane to extract its juice, still stand. Much of the sugar factory, where the juice was boiled and condensed to make raw sugar, remain as well, as does part of the rum still.

Blackbeard’s Castle

Blackbeard’s Castle was built by the Danes in the mid to late 1600s as a watch tower for guarding Charlotte Amalie. The castle and five historic townhouses feature antiques owned by the wealthy merchant class who live here. One of five National Historic Landmarks in St. Thomas, Blackbeard’s Castle is now surrounded by a small hotel, a pool and a snack bar. Walking tours are offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

St. Thomas Synagogue

St. Thomas Synagogue is a historic synagogue in Charlotte Amalie, declared a historic landmark in 1997. Built in 1833, it is the second oldest synagogue in the country, and the longest in continuous use. With unique features, including a rare sand floor, the synagogue is close to downtown’s shopping area and a great stop for a piece of island history and culture.

Tillett Gardens

Developed as an artists’ center by renowned silkscreen artist Jim Tillett, this center features an art gallery, local arts and crafts, a potters studio, jewelers, candle makers, painters and a community theater.

Fort Christian & Museum

Constructed in 1680, Fort Christian was built to defend the Danish settlement. This National Historic Landmark is the oldest building in continuous use on St. Thomas and also served as the governor’s residence, a place of worship, a police station and now a museum.

Recreation

Sailing, Fishing and Powerboat Excursions

Enjoy wonderful recreational options on St. Thomas with a full- or half-day excursion through the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The resort’s east end location is perfect for island-hopping to St. John or the British Virgin Islands, and the lively reefs provide excellent snorkeling sites. Many options are available including sailing trips onboard the Lady Lynsey, a 53-foot sailing catamaran operated by The Ritz-Carlton. Reservations for the Lady Lynsey and many other day trips can be arranged through the hotel concierge. For those of you looking for a more active day, sailing lessons and scuba diving are also available on the resort’s beach.

Magen’s Bay

Considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches, this breathtaking bay is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

St. Thomas's most popular beach, this beautiful one-mile stretch is a public park and was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by Arthur Fairchild. The water is usually very calm in this heart-shaped protected bay. Beach chairs and floats are available for rent and burgers, pizzas and other snacks can be found at the snack bar. Lifeguards are on duty every day.

Shopping

Havensight Mall

A popular one-stop destination on the island for all your shopping and entertainment needs.

Enjoy shopping in over 100 stores and businesses offering the same low, duty free prices as in town.

Stroll the shady tree lined streets which are canopied by giant old mahogany trees. Shop, enjoy one of the attractions, and enjoy a cool tropical drink or meal at any of our restaurants and bars. Sit by a cool fountain, view the cruise ships and watch the world go by...

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the USVI, boasts bustling crowds and the color and charm of a Caribbean waterfront town.

Many visitors explore Charlotte Amalie to shop rather than see historic sites, however, the proximity of the historic buildings to the stores makes it easy to enjoy both. Exploring Charlotte Amalie is easily done on foot. Take a walk up the famous 99 steps, visit the second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, and see Fort Christian, among others. (Fort Christian is currently undergoing renovations and is closed to the public.)

Red Hook

Located just minutes from the resort, Red Hook features a marina, shopping, restaurants and recreation.

Red Hook is an unofficial town of red-tiled roof homes and businesses that overlooks Pillsbury Sound and the island of St. John. Located just a mile from the resort, Red Hook has a variety of shops, restaurants, nightlife and recreational activities.

Join us each evening in Zest for family movie night! Sit down, get comfortable, and watch a movie along with a gourmet snack. Kids under 12 enjoy ‘Happy Hour’ with half price frozen yogurt and various delectable toppings. Adults can savor delicious adult milkshakes or coffee drinks. Sample movies to be shown include Bee Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hook and Despicable Me.

Showing at 7 p.m. The terrace at Zest
Things to Do

See our Calendar of Events for a complete list of all the exciting experiences available at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Check out area attractions for nearby points of interest.